Review: Oliver’s Camp - Tarangire National Park
Deep in the remote south-eastern reaches of Tarangire National Park, a guide named Paul Oliver drew upon his 40 years of experience as a naturalist to start a camp. When it opened in 1992, Oliver’s Camp was one of the only Tarangire properties available for guests, and it’s remained a favorite for savvy travelers to explore the lush landscape of northern Tanzania.
While visitors love the camp’s location, set close to the game-rich Silale Swamp, they also praise its service and the activities it offers, such as walking safaris and night drives.
A reviewer wrote on TripAdvisor that her game drive and walking safari felt “so organic.” She said that her guide understood the park and animals so well “we learned so much. It was like our own personal David Attenborough documentary…. Truly life changing.”
An expert-led, walking safari is the best way to get a closer look at smaller critters – ants, termites, dung beetles – often overlooked on a drive. Or give tracking a try and learn to identify animal spoor and dung.
Oliver’s Camp is also known for its night drives where visitors can spot elusive nocturnal wildlife. Seek out silent owls, nightjars, chameleons, and bush babies. Look for lions, leopards, hyena, and other small carnivores that become more active during the cooler evening hours.
For another perspective all together, take to the sky for a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon and see wildlife from above while sweeping across the plains.
The camp also has options for those traveling with children. There are family safaris for kids ages 5 and up and the camp offers a family tent that accommodates two adults and two children. It’s larger than the camp’s other tents and can include king-sized, double or single beds, according to guests’ needs.
There are 10 tents to at Oliver’s Camp; they are decorated in earth tones to mirror the landscape and come with private decks overlooking the floodplains. Beds are either twin or king-sized, and bathrooms have flushing toilets and both indoor and outdoor showers.
Meals are cooked in the camp and served al fresco, when possible. A Google reviewer referred to the food as “fine dining,” and expressed surprise that it could be so good in such a remote location.
The staff hosts weekly barbecues and will prepare picnic breakfasts or lunches for outings in the bush. At night, they build a campfire and pour whisky while guests relax in deep, comfy sofas to tell tales of their daily adventures.
Oliver’s Camp is meant to evoke the glory days of African safaris with its look, simplicity, and attentive service. A TripAdviser reviewer said she enjoyed the classical style of the camp, which made her feel like time had stopped.
Conde´ Nast Traveler wrote that for decades, Oliver’s Camp has been “one of the most sought-after safari camps in East Africa,” awarding it Readers’ Choice Awards for 2019, 2020 and 2022.
The surrounding landscape is dotted with wildflowers after annual rains and, from August to October, herds of antelope and zebras pass through. Guests can view herds of elephants, buffalo, and big cats throughout the year, as well as 550 species of birds.
A local birder posted on Google reviews that he was able to spot 115 different species within 24 hours of working as a guide there.
“One of the most special places we’ve ever stayed,” the guide wrote.
Stacy Readal, Duma Explorer’s owner, has stayed at Oliver’s Camp several times, the first time being back in 1998! Stacy likes booking Oliver’s Camp as they have better shoulder season rates than Tarangire’s other high-end camps do.
